MUKONO.
Lugazi Diocese has unveiled arrangements ahead of this year’s Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations in Namugongo which fall on June 3 .
Lugazi Diocese was selected to lead this year’s celebrations at the Catholic shrine and the diocese.
According to Msgr. Richard Kayondo , the Vicar General of the diocese ,they have so far raised half of the money needed to organise a colourful ceremony.
However, the priest declined to reveal the total amount of money needed before D-Day .
“When we received the news that Lugazi diocese was the one to animate the 2025 Namugongo celebrations, the first thing we did was to form an organizing committee. This committee is chaired by Fr. Godfrey Mboowa, assisted by our diocesan head of laity Dr. Augustine Kato with Mrs. Prossy Konde as Secretary and we thank the committee because it has left no stone un-turned, ” Msgr Kayondo told Journalists at the Diocesan headquarters in Lugazi .
The Vicar General however expressed concern about the financial burden encountered during the preparations for the event noting that though their budget has only been raised half-way, they’re optimistic that all the money will be raised counting on pending pledges from individuals and organisations.
“Namugongo celebrations need funding, we would like to thank all those who have contributed and those who have promised to contribute to the success of the Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations. We hope to have very colourful and nourishing celebrations” Dr. Kayondo emphasised.
This year’s event will be marked under the theme “Oh Lord, Let Me See Again; I, Your Pilgrim of Hope”
A choir of 500 people from all the 34 parishes of Lugazi Diocese has been prepared and they’re ready for the main event .
On June 3, 2025, all priests will converge in the Basilica and start their procession at 9:00 am, followed by the main procession of Bishops and those who will sit at the Island will start at 9:30am.
Christians from Lugazi Diocese will make a grand entry at Namugongo on June, 1 2025 at 5pm and have a welcome Mass at 7pm.
Msgr Kayondo advised Christians in the diocese to register at their various parishes for their safety and smooth preparations at the venue.